Salisbury DAISY awardee: August 2026 |

a man with a stethoscope holding daisies

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is proud to announce John Prendergast, RN, of the Emergency Department, as our August 2026 DAISY Award winner. Prendergast was nominated by the granddaughter of a patient who was hospitalized with severe sepsis after experiencing a significant decline in his health.

As both a family member and a TidalHealth nurse, she was especially moved by the compassion and respect Prendergast showed her grandfather and their entire family. Despite an exceptionally busy night in the Emergency Department, Prendergast took time to answer their questions, address concerns and make sure her grandfather was as comfortable as possible.

Prendergast went above and beyond to ensure the nominator’s grandfather was comfortable and well cared for. He also made sure the family had what they needed and personally reached out to the physician when they had questions about the patient’s care.

The nominator described her grandfather as a man of few words who has had many healthcare experiences, but said Prendergast stood out as one of the most genuine people their family has encountered. “His dedication and passion did not go unnoticed, and he deserves to know that even his small actions have made a huge difference in the lives of the patients he cares for.”

Prendergast was honored with the DAISY Award in a ceremony before his colleagues. He received a certificate commending him for being an extraordinary nurse, and a sculpture called A Healer's Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at age 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon autoimmune disease.

The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

To nominate a TidalHealth registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) for this award, visit our DAISY Award Nomination Form.